As the sheep businesses grew, so did Hartt’s other business ventures. In 1907, Hartt had become an original stockholder of Ferguson’s Mercantile in Rawlins, where he later became the director. In 1931, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the First National Bank in Rawlins where he eventually became the vice president and director. Hartt had close affiliations with both banks in Rawlins at that time (51). Homer France was the president of one of the banks, and also served as director and treasurer of Yellowstone Sheep Company (52). George Bible, who was affiliated with the other community bank, was a partner in the Cow Creek & Pioneer Sheep Company (53).
At that time, Cow Creek and Pioneer foreman, Spragg, was considered by some to be one of the best sheepmen in the region. He doubled the size of the operation while acting as foreman. But the success did not last. Spragg got into a dispute with one of Hartt’s business partners, Robert Bible. Spragg wanted to continue to buy more land and Bible reportedly wanted Hartt to have competitors. Spragg, now divorced and remarried, left the Hartt operation and bought the PotHook Ranch. Hartt’s son-in-law, Chuck Higley, had been an understudy to Spragg and took overas foreman during the 1940‘s (54).
Sheep On God’s Mountain: Grassroots Issues
Family Feuds and Financial Controversies: The Legacy of J.K. Hartt’s Estate in Wyoming
Exploring the History of Pearl Lake State Park: A Journey Back in Time: Chapter Index
- 1. Introduction: the History of Pearl Lake State Park in Routt County
- 2. The Beginning of the Legacy: Go West, John Kelly Hartt
- 3. The Beginning History of Cow Creek and Pioneer Sheep Companies in Wyoming
- 4. Colorado Cattlemen vs. Cow Creek Sheep: The 1903 Stampede
- 5. A Bride From New Brunswick: John Kelly Hartt Marries M. Pearl Hartt
- 6. Sir, They Shot Wilkes Last Night: Life in the Wild West
- 7. Taking the Rap: The Minister’s Son Escapes to Mexico
- 8. The 1910s Tax Dispute: Wyoming Sheep vs. Colorado Cattlemen
- 9. Hartt Family and Sheep Companies at Hahn’s Peak: A Historic Legacy
- 10. Sheep On God’s Mountain: Grassroots Issues
- 11. Hartt’s Business Ventures Expansion in Rawlins | Sheep Business Development
- 12. Family Feuds and Financial Controversies: The Legacy of J.K. Hartt’s Estate in Wyoming
- 13. Pearl Hartt: An Ending Tribute to the Legacy of Pearl Lake’s Namesake
All content in the Exploring the History of Pearl Lake State Park: A Journey Back in Time, including all subsections, are written by Cathy Hartt, granddaughter of Pearl and John Kelly Hartt. Original article written in 2001 with revisions through 2024. Please request written permission for reprints by emailing the author.
Pearl Lake State Park History 